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This article is part of Football FanCast's Transfer Focus series, which provides opinion and analysis on recent transfer news...

Jack Clarke has explained that he could not turn down the opportunity to join Tottenham Hotspur from Leeds United this summer, per the club’s official website.

What’s the word?

Clarke became Spurs’ first signing since January 2018 on Tuesday, moving from the Championship club and signing a contract until 2023.

He has been immediately loaned back to Elland Road.

Explaining his reasons for moving to the club, the 18-year-old said that the stature of Spurs, who reached the Champions League final last season, meant he was unable to reject the transfer.

He said: “I’m delighted to sign for such a top club.

“Last season was my first at senior level so I wasn’t really expecting to come in and play as much as I did, but it was good for me just to get used to professional football.

“Ever since I’ve been growing up, I’ve seen Tottenham playing in the Premier League, they’ve always been there or thereabouts, pushing, being a top side. It’s one of the biggest clubs in England, if not the world, and I’m just delighted to be a part of it.”

Asked about the prospect of playing under Mauricio Pochettino, he added: “Obviously (Mauricio) is one of the best coaches in the world, a top, top manager.

“Hopefully he can help me push on and progress myself. I just want to carry on from where I left off at Leeds, kick on even more and then hopefully (following his loan) make an impact big enough to be in and around the team.

“I feel like I play with a no-fear attitude and hopefully I can show that on the pitch. It doesn’t bother me whether I’m playing at the park or playing in front of fans, I just play the same. I think that’s a good thing. I like taking players on and creating opportunities.”

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Welcome to the big boy table

Spurs are a massive club now.

Thanks to the heroics of 2018/19, when the world watched as they went within 90 minutes of becoming European champions, players now see the club as belonging to the elite.

Of course, one feels they wouldn’t have had many problems signing Clarke if they had just finished in the top-four but their run could have a knock-on effect.

Lyon midfielder Tanguy Ndombele has now completed a long-term deal to play for the club too and that is a massive statement of intent.

Spurs have now signed one of the most promising talents in England as well as a standout star from Ligue 1.

That is a major achievement, and the youngster's comments suggest he and Ndombele won't be the first ones to feel this way.